Does PODS Hire Felons?
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PODS runs a standard background check and hires some people with records case-by-case. It tends to be more cautious about theft- and assault-related convictions given the trust in handling customers' belongings.
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) does hire some people with felony records, though its policy is applied case-by-case and depends heavily on the nature of the offense. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, PODS pioneered the portable moving-and-storage container and now serves customers across 47 U.S. states plus Canada, the UK, and Australia, with more than 200,000 containers in service and roughly 1,000 to 5,000 employees. Hiring centers on drivers who deliver and place containers, warehouse and yard associates, diesel technicians, customer service representatives, and corporate staff. PODS runs a standard pre-employment background check and, per employee self-reports, is generally more cautious about theft- and assault-related convictions given the trust involved in handling customers' belongings. Driver roles require a clean-enough motor vehicle record and, for CDL positions, DOT compliance and drug testing. Older, non-violent, non-theft convictions are viewed most favorably. PODS publishes a 'How We Hire' overview on its careers site.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver (Container Delivery) | Case-by-case | Yes — plus motor vehicle record (MVR) | Delivers and places PODS containers with a hydraulic lift system. Clean-enough MVR and DOT drug test required for CDL routes. |
| Warehouse / Yard Associate | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Moves, stages, and inventories containers in the storage yard. Common entry-level role. |
| Diesel Mechanic / Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Maintains trucks and lift equipment. Skilled trade; certifications help offset a record. |
| Customer Service Representative | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Books moves and handles billing by phone. Access to payment data means closer scrutiny of theft/fraud history. |
| Corporate / Support | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check | Clearwater HQ and regional roles. More competitive; individualized assessment applies. |
PODS Hiring Practices
PODS invented the portable moving-and-storage container and operates a nationwide network of storage yards and delivery routes across 47 states. Because its drivers and warehouse teams handle customers' containers and belongings, PODS runs a standard pre-employment background check on new hires and applies an individualized, case-by-case assessment. Employee self-reports on Indeed indicate that PODS does hire people with records but is more cautious about convictions involving theft, fraud, or assault, since trust and safety are central to the work. Non-violent and older offenses are viewed more favorably. Driver applicants also go through a motor vehicle record review, and CDL routes add DOT drug testing and medical certification. PODS describes its process in a public 'How We Hire' section on careers.pods.com.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply at careers.pods.com and read the 'How We Hire' page so you know what to expect. Warehouse and yard associate roles are typically the most accessible entry points; driver roles pay more but require a solid driving record. If your record involves theft, fraud, or violence, be ready to explain the circumstances, how long ago it was, and what has changed — PODS weighs those factors under an individualized assessment. Bring any certifications (forklift, CDL, diesel) that show reliability and skill. Be honest on the application; a discrepancy between what you disclose and what the background check finds is a bigger problem than the record itself.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at careers.pods.com and review the 'How We Hire' page before your interview.
- 2.Start with warehouse/yard associate roles — they are usually the most accessible entry point.
- 3.For driver jobs, disclose your driving record early; CDL routes require DOT drug testing and a clean-enough MVR.
- 4.If your record involves theft, fraud, or assault, prepare to explain the age of the offense and what has changed.
- 5.Highlight certifications (forklift, CDL, diesel) that demonstrate reliability and skill.
- 6.Be fully honest on the application — matching what the background check finds matters more than the record itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PODS hire felons?
- Yes, PODS hires some people with felony records, but decisions are made case-by-case. It tends to be more cautious about convictions involving theft, fraud, or assault because employees handle customers' belongings.
- Does PODS do background checks?
- Yes. PODS runs a standard pre-employment background check on new hires, and driver applicants also go through a motor vehicle record (MVR) review.
- Does PODS drug test?
- CDL driver roles require DOT pre-employment drug testing. Other positions may be drug tested depending on the role and location; post-accident testing can also apply.
- Where is PODS located?
- PODS is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and operates storage yards and delivery routes across 47 U.S. states, plus Canada, the UK, and Australia.
- What jobs does PODS hire for?
- PODS hires drivers, warehouse and yard associates, diesel mechanics, customer service representatives, and corporate staff. Warehouse and driver roles have the most frequent openings.
Take Action — Direct Links
- PODS Careers
Search driver, warehouse, and corporate openings at PODS.
- PODS — How We Hire
PODS overview of its application and hiring process.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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